The controversy surrounding a recent incident at Tool Shed with Honey Davenport has laid bare the cumulative weight of being a Black gay man in a city that markets itself as a “sanctuary”. It is not the reality for Black queer residents and visitors.
Quincy Taylor eloquently addressed that friction in a post May 8th that has given me and many others in our community an opportunity to listen and reflect.
While Palm Springs celebrates its openness, voices like Quincy Taylor—remind us that ‘open’ doesn’t always mean ‘equitable.’ There is a specific pain in feeling tolerated rather than celebrated in your own sanctuary.
Honey Davenport responded to Quincy’s post with the following: “…I truly believe that now that this town is taking (sic) about this problem we can make steps to eradicating this issue in our community. This will be a sanctuary for all of us one day. Growing hurts sometimes but I am thankful for all that have taken this moment as an opportunity to do so.“
So what can we do and how should we think about what’s been presented to us as white gay men (and women)?
Move from “Tolerance” to “Intentional Celebration”
As Quincy pointed out, there is a difference between being tolerated and being valued. For we in the white majority, “reading the room” should mean noticing who isn’t there or who is being ignored. So, don’t just frequent spaces that are “diverse” by accident. Seek out and patronize events specifically curated by Black queer organizers, such as ONYX SoCal-Southwest and Brothers of the Desert. We can use our economic and social capital to ensure these events are successful, profitable, and sustainable.
Interrupt the “Atmospheric” Racism
Quincy described covert racism as “the warmth that is present for everyone else and somehow just slightly cooler when it reaches you.” This is often where white allies can have the most impact. If you see a person of color being ignored at a bar while you are being served, or if you hear a “compliment” that feels like a reduction or a fetishization, speak up in the moment.
Challenge Our “Sanctuary” Mentality
Palm Springs prides itself on being a liberal haven, but that self-image can sometimes act as a shield against growth. When Black members of the community express pain, resist the urge to defend the city’s reputation or the bar’s history. Instead, listen with the intent to understand the ‘cumulative weight’ they carry.
As we move forward, the goal isn’t just to ‘read the room,’ but to ensure everyone in the room has an equal seat at the table. Advocacy in the desert isn’t about liking a one-time social media post; it’s about the half-second faster we turn to include someone in a conversation, the cash we put behind Black-led fundraisers, and the humility to realize that our ‘open’ city still has doors that feel heavy to some.
Let’s make the warmth of Palm Springs reach everyone equally.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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TUE: “Cathedral City Takes Flight” State of the City
The City of Cathedral City invites residents, business leaders, and community partners to the 2026 State of the City luncheon, “Cathedral City Takes Flight,” taking place on Tuesday, May 12 from 10:30 am–1:30 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort. The event features a sponsor reception at 10:30 am, followed by a business expo, awards, and luncheon from 11:30 am–1:30 pm. Mayor Raymond Gregory will deliver the State of the City address at approximately 12:30 pm, joined by members of the City Council. Hosted by Patrick Evans of Sunny 106.5 FM and KESQ TV, this annual gathering highlights Cathedral City’s progress, innovation, and future initiatives. More info
WED/FRI: Firebirds in Round Three
The Coachella Valley Firebirds have clawed their way into Round Three of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs after a thrilling weekend victory over the Ontario Reign. Now, they face the Colorado Eagles in the Pacific Division Finals, a best‑of‑five series that begins Wednesday, May 13 at 7 pm at Acrisure Arena. The Firebirds will also host Game 2 on Friday, May 15 at 7 pm, before heading to Colorado for Game 3 and Games 4 and 5 (if necessary). Get tickets
THU: Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
The 14th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is on Thursday, May 14, beginning with an 8:30 am coffee hour and followed by a 9:30 am breakfast and program at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This year honors Brandon Wolf with the Harvey B. Milk Leadership Award and Judy and Dennis Shepard with the Harvey B. Milk Legacy Award. The program celebrates LGBTQ+ leadership, resilience, and advocacy, featuring stories that uplift community progress and inspire continued action. This cherished annual gathering brings together civic leaders, students, and allies for a morning of reflection and empowerment. More info
THU–SAT: Marvelous Marilyn Maye! at The Purple Room
Experience the legendary Marilyn Maye in an intimate, cabaret‑style showcase at The Purple Room from Thursday–Saturday, May 14–16, where her extraordinary artistry takes center stage. A Grammy‑nominated singer, actress, director, arranger, and educator, Ms. Maye has devoted her life to the craft of song and performance. She holds the record for a singer with 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, who famously told his millions of viewers, “And that, young singers, is the way it’s done.” More info
THU–SUN: Joshua Tree Music Festival
The 24th Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival returns to the Mojave for four days of music, movement, and community from May 14–17. Immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of live performances, mindfulness workshops, and creative experiences set against the desert’s expansive landscape. This beloved festival brings together artists and attendees from around the world, fostering connection through sound, art, and shared discovery. More info
FRI: Agua Caliente Indian Reservation 150th Anniversary
Honor a historic milestone as the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum hosts a free community celebration on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 10 am–5 pm, marking the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Throughout the day, you can explore a vibrant Native American Market, enjoy cultural demonstrations, savor local food vendors, and experience traditional bird singing and dancing. Complimentary museum admission will be offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis, giving you a special opportunity to engage with the Tribe’s rich history and living culture. More info
FRI–SUN: Princesses: Crowned & Dangerous
Musical Theatre University presents the Southern California premiere of Princesses: Crowned & Dangerous, an all‑new musical comedy created by David Zippel, Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, and Matthew Wilder. This reimagined production features MTU students performing alongside Broadway veterans in a rare opportunity to see original material before it reaches the national stage. Performances run May 15–17. More info
FRI–SUN: Kiss Me, Kate at McCallum Theatre
College of the Desert presents the classic musical Kiss Me, Kate at the McCallum Theatre, running May 15–17. This spirited production follows feuding ex‑spouses Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham as they clash onstage and off in a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. With romance, comedy, backstage antics, and iconic Cole Porter songs like “So in Love” and “Too Darn Hot,” the show blends wit, sophistication, and show‑stopping numbers. More info
A Man of No Importance
The BENT presents A Man of No Importance, running May 8–24, a tender musical exploring identity, acceptance, and the courage to live authentically. Set in Dublin, the story follows Alfie Byrne, a gentle bus conductor determined to stage an amateur production of Wilde’s Salome at his local church. As he confronts prejudice and the quiet ache of a love “that dare not speak its name,” Alfie discovers the transformative power of friendship and community. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says the play “is a reminder that theatre doesn’t need spectacle to move us. It needs truth, compassion, and a story told with care — and this production delivers all three.” Read his full review and get tickets: More info
The Ritz
Palm Canyon Theatre brings big laughs to the stage with The Ritz, running May 8–17, a riotous farce set inside a 1970s Manhattan gay bathhouse. When a straight man on the run from the mob hides in what he assumes is the last place anyone would look, he’s swept into a whirlwind of flamboyant personalities, mistaken identities, and escalating comedic chaos. With its campy humor, bold characters, and rapid‑fire pacing, the production embraces the era’s theatrical flair while delivering a fresh, high‑energy experience for modern audiences. More info
